Local legends describe Banda Aceh as the front porch of Mecca. The place where Islam entered Indonesia and then spread throughout what is now the world's 4th largest nation (250 million). The Acehnese (Achay-nees) are known for their devotion to Islam and have a long history of resisting outside domination - first with the Dutch, and more recently with the Indonesian government. The result has been a culture that is extremely closed to outside influences, where anyone who is not a native is not welcome, especially westerners and Christians.

On Christmas Day 2004, thousands of Indonesian churches joined in prayer for their country. The following day an earthquake in the Indian Ocean spawned tsunamis and created the most devastating natural disaster in modern history. Over 130,000 Acehnese were killed or disappeared forever. The port city of Banda Aceh was flattened, entire seaside villages disappeared into the ocean. The physical destruction subsequently broke down the cultural walls and western nations poured into the area to aid in relief and recovery work.

Nearly two years later the relief teams are leaving, their mission is over and their money is drying up. But the real transformation of Aceh is just beginning. God is pulling together one of the most unique collaborative efforts ever assembled to pass through these open gates.